A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Of course. I’m already so grateful for everything you’ve done,” Vera said, her emotions unusually raw for once.

She clutched the business card in her hand, holding onto it as if it were her last lifeline.

She’d lost count of how many times she’d thanked her lucky stars for joining this company. She was grateful, too, that she’d worked hard enough to grab hold of the opportunity Alessia had given her, climbing her way to where she was now.

Without Alessia, there was no way she could have afforded her mother’s medical bills on her old salary.

“That’s all for today. If you don’t have anything else to finish up, you can get ready to head out for the holiday. Happy New Year.”

“You too–happy New Year.” Vera looked at the woman eight years her junior, feeling more respect than anything else.

With the last contract signed, the year’s whirlwind of work finally came to a close–for now. Alessia stretched, gathered her things, and made her way out of the office. Cole was already waiting for her downstairs.

“Hard day?” Cole wrapped her in a hug, ruffling her hair before handing over the cup of coffee he’d brought.

“All finished with the Whitley Group?” Alessia took a sip. It was hot, but not too

sweet.

less sugar, just how she

with Larkin this

Alessia’s neck and opened the car

Alessia replied, buckling her

come over for dinner for New Year’s. I figured we could eat lunch at our place first, then head

sounds good.” Cole hesitated for a second, but quickly slipped back into his usual

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other plans this afternoon?” Cole

for a moment, then shook

how about we stop by the supermarket for some holiday groceries? We can drop off some

gifts? Did

couple of days. There are a few clients I’ll need to visit in person, but that’s separate. For your family and the Dawsons, I thought it’d mean

was still around, he and Cole used to handle all these details. Now, Cole had moved far beyond those early days when he’d been overwhelmed

Alessia said, giving Cole a playful pat on the head,

and, with a fond squeeze of her cheek, started the

had recently moved into a new house–far bigger than the old one. The eldest and youngest siblings rarely came home, so two shared a room while everyone